The second edition provides a comprehensive overview of the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing, supported by relevant theory, research, policy and philosophy. The text is based on the concept of "the craft of caring" which considers the basis of good nursing practice to be a combination of both art and science, and requires nurses to take a holistic approach to the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing. Chapters have been completely updated to reflect recent developments in nursing practice and the understanding of mental health disorders. This new edition also includes a more international focus with overviews of practice and policy developments around the world. Fourteen new chapters have been added, giving more emphasis to certain groups such as children and adolescents, women, older people, asylum seekers and refugees. Additional coverage of specialists services, such as psychiatric liaison and spiritual care has been included, and further emphasis is given to psychiatric diagnosis and mental health legislation in relation to human rights. This is an essential text for all psychiatric and mental health nurses at diploma and degree level, as well as qualified mental health nurses seeking to update their knowledge, and also as a reference for other disciplines such as social work, medicine and psychology.